Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and Serco mark two years MRSA free

Today, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) is marking two years of being completely clear of MRSA bloodstream infections, with support from Serco.

At NNUH, every patient who is admitted is swabbed for MRSA and approximately 10,000 samples are processed every month. In addition, extra systems are in place to monitor patients who have a higher risk of carrying MRSA.

This spring, in partnership with Serco, the Trust will pilot Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) testing to monitor cleanliness on hospital wards. This involves taking swabs from cleaned surfaces and testing them straight away to ensure that germs, which may not be visible to the naked eye, are not left behind.

Anna Dugdale, Chief Executive of NNUH, said: "To have gone two years MRSA free is a fantastic achievement and the result of a huge team effort and relentless attention to detail.

"This work has been spearheaded by our Infection Prevention and Control Team, led by Dr Ngozi Elumogo, with support from every member of staff. Every member of the NNUH team, cleaners, porters, laboratory staff, doctors, nurses, administrative staff and our volunteers, are involved in our fight against infection. This is a huge achievement and one we are very proud of."

Nayab Haider, Contracts Director for Serco at NNUH, said: "Serco's porters, cleaners and catering staff all have an important role to play in helping to ensure the hospital is clean and safe for patients. We look forward to working with the infection prevention and control team when we introduce the ATP testing over the coming months."

Serco is responsible for maintaining the hospital and its electrical and mechanical systems, as well as for cleaning, catering, helpdesk, portering, waste management, linen, laundry, security, car parking and grounds.